Postdoctoral Fellow (R2892)

The Research Group

The Chandra lab studies the evolution of brains and behaviour, using acoels as a model to ask how diffuse nerve nets transitioned into centralised brains and to understand its consequences.

The lab has developed the acoel Hofstenia miamia as a new neuroscience model. Hofstenia has a unique ‘diffuse brain’ composed of undifferentiated tiles of circuits that interact to generate distributed computation. By studying Hofstenia in a comparative context, the lab aims to uncover the organising principles of diffuse brains and understand how the first animal brains evolved from ancient nerve nets. Research combines a range of approaches to investigate neural architecture, circuit activity, computational function and behavioural control.

Find more about the Chandra lab here

About the role

We are looking for an ambitious Postdoctoral Fellow to lead an exciting research project aimed at uncovering organising principles of Hofstenia‘s unique diffuse brain.

This role offers a rare opportunity to tackle fundamental questions in neuroscience and evolution by investigating how distributed neural circuits give rise to computation and behaviour. The successful candidate will lead a project focused on identifying the architectural and computational features of Hofstenia‘s circuit tiles and determining how these neural units enable distributed computation, robustness, and coherent behaviour.

Working at the forefront of an emerging model system, you will combine innovative experimental and computational approaches to explore how nervous systems process information in the absence of a conventional centralised brain. Your findings will help reveal fundamental principles of neural organisation and provide new insights into how the first animal brains may have evolved.

What you will be doing:

You will:

• lead an ambitious project focused on systems neuroscience in Hofstenia, seeking to understand how a distributed circuit generates adaptive behaviour

• develop and apply experimental and analysis methods to visualise circuit architecture, record neural activity, and study the effects of neural perturbations on behaviour

• ensure that your findings are reproducible and well-documented

• collaborate with other lab members, and potentially with colleagues within and outside the Crick

• contribute to mentoring graduate students where appropriate

• report your findings at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences

• contribute to and lead the writing of articles for peer-reviewed journals

• contribute to the growth of the lab’s research programme

Please see full job description here

About you

You will have:

• PhD in neuroscience or a related field*

• a strong quantitative background*

• expertise in neural recordings, writing code, and analysis of high-dimensional data*

• familiarity with genetic methods to label, record from, and perturb specific cell populations*

• a track record of writing papers that tell a rigorous and creative story*

• familiarity with state-of-the-art methods to study behaviour (desirable)

• familiarity with marine invertebrates or other non-model species (desirable)

Minimum criteria*

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them – just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: karen.au@crick.ac.uk

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 

• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.